Today we’d like to introduce you to Cole Trotta.
Hi Cole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was first introduced to a skateboard at just 4 years old. At that age, I didn’t really take it on fully as I was preoccupied with playing soccer. I played soccer for a number of years and I believe that is really were I gained my competitive mindset that has me where Im at today.
Throughout these years, I started casually skateboarding with my friends and one day, we saw another kid (my good friend now) skating down the hill on a longboard and It immediately caught my interest. That night I went home and searched up anything I could about longboarding and I became obsessed. I then begged my parents for the next few days to buy me one, ultimately leading to me get my first longboard and gloves at 11 years old.
I eventually convinced all my friends to get one as-well and we started longboarding almost every single day. We spent these days competing against each other to see who could land specific tricks faster, and it allowed us all to progress faster as well. Now at this point, we were all obsessed with the sport.
The obsession with getting better led to the obsession of getting my first sponsor. With or without my friends, I spent every single day trying to get good enough to film my first “sponsor me” video. My dad then made a promise to me that if I got good grades in my classes.. he would pull me out of class for one day, and hire a videographer to film a sponsor me video for me.
Well, I got those good grades, he pulled me out of class and I filmed my first “sponsor me” video at Blacks Beach in San Diego. (https://youtu.be/tT7bOlfsYPc?si=VTybyb8I0aHBefu6)
A few weeks later, I got my first sponsor.. a local boardshop in OC. I was ecstatic and it ignited my drive to get the best I could at downhill skateboarding,
I started skating even harder, while still balancing playing club soccer as well.
After about a year of this, I decided to quit soccer and go all in on downhill skateboarding having no idea where it would take me, but also not caring either, I just loved the sport.
The next few years, I got sponsored by my dream longboard companies, was skating all around the world.. but still had no idea if this was something I could make a living off of. I got a job at a local skate shop and started filming with one of my good friends, Luke Spud, on the weekends or whenever we could. I posted these clips we filmed to my Instagram and Tiktok not expecting anything of it.
Then, on a random day at work, I checked my phone and realized that one of these clips had been shared by one of the biggest media companies in the world. I gained 20K followers on Instagram in the course of a few days and the same for Tiktok. I still had no clue what to do our how this could make me money, but I knew I need to keep posting to keep the momentum going.
So thats exactly what I did.
I kept posting and doors started opening up. I took the risk and quit my skateshop job, and now 6 years later, through trial and error, I have been pursuing my passion for downhill skateboarding on social media full time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Skateboarding in itself in never a smooth road.. especially when you are learning or pushing your limits.. Which conveniently enough, is a constant thing when it comes to downhill skateboarding.
Ive broken many bones, tons of concussions and almost quit multiple times.
On the social media side of things, its the same. Constant changes in views, engagement, declines from brands, etc.. its never an easy smooth road.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional downhill skateboarder and content creator. I specialize in showcasing the sport as it is.. fast, extreme, but also insanely fun.
Im known for my ‘freeride” style when skating down a hill, and Im most proud of my pro model downhill skateboard, The Trotta Pro by PrismSkateCo… and my pro model wheels, The Trotta Pro Series by Blood Orange.
I feel what sets me apart is simply just drive and not caring what people think. I dreamt of being able to do what I love full time, and Im not letting anyone stop me from at least giving it my full effort.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m always happy to connect and collaborate with others. Whether it’s sharing ideas or working on a project, I truly value genuine connections and appreciate any support!
You can find me on my platforms as @coletrotta, or reach out for collaborations at cole@coletrotta.com.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coletrotta/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coletrotta
Image Credits
Sebastian Lundgren (@sebastianseye)
